KI again

...clinches second Chutney Soca crown

SECOND
TIME AROUND:
2014 Lotto Plus Chutney Soca Monarch Kris “KI” Persad celebrates with his supporters after winning the title for the second time on Saturday night at Skinner Park, San Fernando. KI sang “Runaway”, which tells the story of a ‘wife’ who runs away while he is
on tour.
See Pages 5 and 18
—Photo: DAVE PERSAD

Mark Fraser

Kris “KI” Persad created history as the youngest artiste to be crowned Chutney Soca Monarch in 2012.

And he has done it again.

Persad, 28, was named winner of the 2014 Lotto Plus Chutney Soca Monarch at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on Saturday night.

Performing in 19th position, the lead vocalist of JMC 3Veni band delivered what was described as a superb performance, telling the story of his wife who ran away while he was on tour.

Persad’s song “Runaway” has been one of the most popular songs on local radio stations and at Carnival events.

He would receive $2 million—double last year’s first prize.

Samraj “Rikki Jai” Jaimungal and Ravi “Ravi B” Bissambhar tied for second position and will each receive $400,000, while Kenneth Supersad placed fourth. Nishard Mayhroo was announced fifth place winner.

Persad was elegantly dressed in a black suit as he disembarked from a makeshift aircraft on stage, followed by his dancers in flight attendant costumes.

He was a favourite from the beginning as the large crowed chanted his name and sang every word of his runaway hit.

And as if he was not getting enough of his fans, Persad mounted the barriers and climbed on a platform in the audience.

His voice was crisp and clear, as Persad sang, “Last year I went on tour and I didn’t want to stay. But when I come back, my wife run away”.

Rikki Jai, seven time champion, delivered a well choreographed performance. He was accompanied by Nigel Rojas of the band Orange Sky. He performed “Clap your hands”.

He paid tribute to the icons of chutney music—Drupatee Ramgoonai and the late Sundar Popo.

Ravi B performed in first position and was a crowd favourite with his song “Bread”. Backed by dancers dressed as sliced bread, Ravi B commanded the audience to chant his name. His performance included a disappearing act by illusionist Kes.

Kenneth Supersad provided comedy with his rendition of “Charging Bull”. His song referred to a herd of bull getting loose in areas across the country. Supersad was dressed as a matador and was backed up by men wearing bull heads.

The winners were announced shortly before 4 a.m. yesterday.

And as the masters of ceremony named the winners, it was clear that Persad had taken the first place. His supporters carried him onto the stage where he was hugged and kissed by his father Verindra Persad, leader of JMC 3Veni band.

Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas and San Fernando West MP Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan attended the event.